More from McCarthy

♦ Don Barclay is getting better. He’s improving each day throughout the week. We’ll see if he’ll be available (for Sunday's game).

♦ I’ve always viewed (tackle) Marshall Newhouse as a starter, no different today than in training camp. When Don Barclay won the job, I felt like Marshall could be a starter. Don’t feel any different.

♦ Evan Dietrich-Smith's work load is why he didn’t practice. Felt confident with what he accomplished on Wednesday and Thursday but in his best interest not to go today. Feel good about him.

♦ I look forward to seeing (tight end) Jermichael (Finley). From what I understand from medical staff, it was a successful surgery. (Finley had spinal fusion surgery in Pittsburgh on Thursday, according to the NFL Network's Andrea Kremer.)

♦ Just like we always discuss in here, the individual has control over their own body. Regardless of what surgeon does the surgery, you want him to be comfortable. We respect the decision. (Team doctor) Pat McKenzie has an excellent relationship with Pittsburgh doctor (who did Finley's surgery).

♦ You want to make all kind of plays. Splash plays are great. The tight end group, you like to see a little more production. You have to look at the opportunities they’re given. Andrew Quarless is playing more than he did. Brandon (Bostick) is really coming on each and every week. (Jake) Stoneburner is someone that I’m excited about.

♦ Sam Shields is just a little beat up from practice so we’re being smart about him today.

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♦ This is our second year with Don (Barclay. He’s very conscientious. He hasn’t missed a meeting. I’d have no problem playing Don.

♦ Aaron, I know he’s not playing this week. We’ll see how he is. He’s on top of every inch of his rehab. He’s definitely made a big improvement from last week to this week.

♦ (Quarterback) Scott Tolzien is getting a lot of coaching. It’s time for him to just settle down and go play football. He’s a very even keeled young man. Absorbs everything. He just needs to play football like he’s always played. We met this morning, took our first lap around the call sheet. We’ll continue to do that. I think he’s doing a heck of a job.

♦ Aaron wasn’t always a veteran. You go back to the different format than you used. Our call sheets changed so much the last few years just the way it’s laid out. This meeting is something I have every week with Aaron. It’s about the play-caller and quarterback getting on the same page. He’s a sharp young man.

♦ I feel confident we’re going to give our offense the best opportunity to be successful.

♦ I think you have to look at the kickoff return game from a philosophical standpoint. That really isn’t an indictment on the unit. We’ve had some mishaps that have affected our statistics. We’re getting better. I feel strongly about that.